Both the Chicago Bears and New York Jets are trying to establish some consistency as they approach a Week 3 Monday Night Football matchup. The Chicago Bears got upset in overtime against the Buffalo Bills in Week 1, but followed that up with a comeback win against the San Francisco 49ers. The Jets got a Week 1 win over the Oakland Raiders, but followed that up by blowing a 21-3 lead against the Green Bay Packers to lose 31-24. Now as both teams suffer with injuries, they are out looking to prove themselves as the season progresses.
The Jets were looking like they could start the season 2-0 as they started Week 2 by dominating the Green Bay Packers early. The secondary looked strong at first while the offense was cruising at halftime. However, the third quarter began and everything fell apart. The team gained just 132 yards after getting a 21-3 lead while Aaron Rodgers finished with 346 passing yards and three touchdowns. The return of Dee Milliner did nothing to help after he suffered a high ankle sprain and tightness in his quads. The secondary will once again get challenged as they face an improved Jay Cutler.
Cutler loves Mondays. Chicago has a 6-1 record on Mondays while the quarterback has a 61.6 completion percentage and 14 touchdowns while getting aired on ESPN. He could have some issues though with injuries. Both Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery are questionable for the game. They are already without center Roberto Garza as tackle Jeremiah Ratliff also went down with injuries. The Bears also need Matt Forte to step up after he gained just 21 yards in Week 2, following up his 87-yard Week 1 effort.
Smith has one game of Monday Night football under his belt. The quarterback threw for 199 yards and three touchdowns to beat the Falcons back last October. He could also be without a playmaker as Eric Decker is suffering from a sore hamstring and has been limited in practice all week. The Jets would love to get the home win on Monday night, but the Bears could be the noise makers if healthy.